Advent Online
Starting November 30, 2025
We hope these daily reflections and prayers throughout Advent and for Christmas Day will bring you great calmness and peace as we prepare for the celebration of God’s Word made flesh continuously in our midst. As we walk these days together, may the spirit of St. Francis bring us and our world to a greater peace and our lives closer to God.
Join us November 30, 2025
24
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
23
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
21
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
20
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
19
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
18
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
17
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
16
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
15
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Reflection
12
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the Americas. In 1531, Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego in what is now Mexico City. One of the feast’s two possible gospel readings tells the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Pregnant in her advanced age, Elizabeth exclaims, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk. 1:43-44). In spirit, if not on foot, we join John’s in utero dance, welcoming Jesus. Let’s pray today for all who live in the Americas, particularly the indigenous peoples. Let us also remember in prayer the Franciscan Friars of Out Lady of Guadalupe Province who have made this online Advent prayer gathering possible.
13
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Taken from the preaching of John the Baptist, the gospel acclamation expresses the theme of Advent, which is also our Christian vocation. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Lk. 3:4,6). Advent is all about seeing, recognizing the presence of Christ in our lives. Look around you. What is the first sign you see of God’s presence? If you are at home, you might find objects that have been in your family for years. If you are sitting in a coffee shop or a restaurant you might see a family or a couple caring for one another or a waiter joking with a frequent patron. The connections we make with one another are graced moments and connections with God. Before you go to sleep tonight, ask blessings on all the people you remembered or saw today.
14
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Isaiah depicts the natural world rejoicing and responding to the coming of the Messiah: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song” (Is. 35:1-2). These lush images of nature provide a stark contrast to the mud slides and floods, fire and drought that we witnessed this past year. As you go about decorating and shopping, consider care of the earth, purchasing decorations and gifts that require minimal packaging, and recycling Christmas trees. Pray for the healing of the earth and for those affected by natural disasters.
11
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Yesterday we reflected on the continuity of our faith and God’s care for us throughout our lives. Today’s gospel focuses on God’s fidelity to the Jewish people, fulfilling the law and the prophecies, including the tradition that Elijah would return prior to the messiah’s coming. Jesus begins by praising his cousin John; then he instructs the crowd: “All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear” (Mt. 11:13-15). John was the last of the prophets, but we still have prophetic voices, including Pope Leo IV. Pray for our Holy Father and for all local and global leaders who call you to continue Christ’s work of justice and mercy.
10
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s readings depict God as lifting us sky high or stooping down to our level. Some years ago, as I was learning to use a cane, my physical therapist suggested I sing to pace myself from the subway to the college where I taught. I opted to hum and often found myself humming “On Eagle’s Wings” and laughing at the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Today’s gospel image astonishes me even more than Isaiah’s eagles. To be yoked, shoulders must be at the same height. The pair must look and move in the same direction at the same pace. How intimate, how freeing, how infinitely amazing that God binds God’s very self to me, to you, to each of us. Consider how your image of God and your relationship with God has changed over the years and give thanks to God for always being with you.
9
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells how a shepherd will leave his flock of ninety-nine in order to go and find the one sheep that has strayed, “And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray” (Mt 18:13). On first hearing, this calculus seems all wrong, perhaps even unfair. On second thought, we realize the good sheep have always been secure in God’s love for them and in the warmth and protection of the flock. If you’ve strayed from the church or from your family Advent is a good time to return. Reach out to a friend or family member to whom you’ve not spoken in a while. Welcome the friend who’s been out of touch.
6
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
St. Nicholas’ feast day and today’s gospel invite us to think about gifts. Sending the apostles to continue the work of proclaiming the Kingdom, teaching and healing Jesus Instructs his followers: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give” (Mt. 10:6). If you find yourself overwhelmed by seasonal activities and increasing prices, consider promising a shared activity with a friend, cleaning your neighbor’s walk after the next snow, a playdate with a child. If you are given an unexpected gift or a gift that seems too costly, remember that a gift is not a business transaction. Your appreciation of the gift and your relationship with the giver is sufficient return. Remember that Jesus was sometime dinner guest of friends and of society’s outcasts. Say a prayer of thanks for God’s gifts and for all who have in any way supported you.
5
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Advent calls us to affirm our belief that with God’s saving grace we can be transformed. In today’s gospel, two blind men ask Jesus to pity them, but before Jesus cures them he asks if they believe in his healing power. We often pray for healing for people we know and for ourselves. Today let’s pray for a healing of relationships between individuals, within families, neighborhoods, communities and our nation. Too often differences have led to mistrust, a lack of communication and cooperation, isolation and, sometimes, violence. The prophet Isaiah looked forward to such change: “Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction” (Is. 29:24). May we always be open to God’s transforming grace and ready to accept and support others in their transformation.
4
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In Psalm 118 we give thanks for those who have brought God’s good news to us and we ask the Lord to bless them because through their works and words we have come to know that the “Lord is God and he has given us light” (Ps. 118:26). Who are those people whose lives and whose love have shaped you into the person you are today? Who are the people, living or deceased, who continue to support you? Pray for the people who have been a blessing for you.
3
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Identifying himself as the Good Shepherd, Christ stands with us whether we rest in green pastures or struggle to make our way through dark valleys. Like a shepherd with rod and staff, Christ gives us protection and guidance. The psalmist celebrates God’s care: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Ps. 23:5). Like the priests, prophets, and kings, we were anointed at Baptism and Confirmation and we are anointed for strength during the Sacrament of the Sick and nourished by Eucharist. Where are you today ? Green pasture, dark valley or somewhere in the middle? Tell Jesus what you’re experiencing and what you’re feeling. Ask Jesus how he sees you and your situation. As in most long friendships, Jesus may continue to walk with you in silent friendship or He might nudge you into a new prayer practice or action plan.
2
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Isaiah’s description of the Messiah challenges our expectations of authority’s appearance and operations and calls us to consider how we judge others. “ Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted” (Is. 11:3-4). The power of the Messiah resides in his own integrity: the truth of his words, his justice and fidelity, the breath and breadth of his being. Christ calls us to follow his example and be open to others. Is there someone you tend to shut out? Perhaps your acquaintance seems too negative or naively optimistic, too judgmental or too non-committal. Pray for that person and for your own growth in openness. If you have a chance, strike up a conversation or give a listen to them. You might be surprised.
1
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Sung by Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of three yearly feasts, today’s responsorial psalm sets the tone for our shared Advent journey. United and inspired by God and the holiness of God’s temple, pilgrims who once were strangers become relatives and friends. In the words of the psalm, these pilgrims promised one another “Because of my relatives and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’ Because of the house of the Lord, our God, I will pray for your good” (Ps 122 8-9). We share sacred time, sacred space, our earthly home renewed by the Incarnation and this holy cyberspace that we will share for the next few weeks. Let us pray that each person who joins in these reflections will be open to receive and share the peace and goodness that Christ promised us.
30
Sunday
NOVEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In our war-weary, violence-ridden world, we long for the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that many nations will come to the Lord and, united in God’s presence, “one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Is. 2:4). To protect their citizens and their countries, nations will maintain weapons and the trained militia, but let us pray that these defenses serve as deterrents and never be used in war. Let us also pray for an end to national and international conflicts, that leaders of opposing movements and nations be open to negotiations and move into peace.
7
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
As Christians we are called to be part of an expansive community. Paul urged the Roman congregation: “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Rom. 15:7). Paul reminded the congregation that in Jesus’ coming to the Jews, God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and in extending God’s mercy to the Gentiles, Jesus incorporated the Gentiles into the worshiping community. Pray for people who seem to be outsiders struggling to belong: immigrants, refugees seeking asylum and people displaced by natural disasters, domestic violence or war.
8
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel we listen with Mary as the angel tells her what role God has chosen to her to play in the Incarnation: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God” (Lk. 1:35). Among his Salutations to Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi calls her “Virgin made church,” for she is the first Tabernacle , the first disciple and an abiding reminder of God’s love. We too are called to be church or, in the words of Cardinal Avery Dulles, to be sacraments– living signs of Christ loving presence. Spend some time remembering and thanking God for occasions when your words or deeds have inspired and helped others.
Join us November 30, 2025
Reflections By Fran McManus, RSM
Fran McManus, RSM, is a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She teaches literature and poetry writing in the Adult Education Program of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Her poems have appeared in Re: A Journal of Ideas https://reideasjournal.com/sisterfranpoems and in The New York Writers Coalition Journal https://nywriterscoalition.org/journal/11357/12.